3D Printing in Radiation Oncology:

Steps Toward a More General Application in Clinical Practice

 

Chairs: 

• Tom Depuydt, Medical Physicist, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven (BE)
• Gabriel Fonseca, Medical Physicist, Maastricht University, Maastricht (NL)

 

Invited speakers: 

• James Robar, Medical Physicist, Dalhousie University, Halifax (CA)

 

Motivation: 

Today, a majority of radiotherapy centers in Europe already have access to 3D printing and use this technology one way or the other. 3D printing has the potential to create substantial added value for radiation oncology across Europe, offering improved precision and customisation in patient care. Despite its widespread availability and the decreasing cost of technology, making it more accessible than ever, there is a significant gap in the standardization and knowledge exchange among medical physicists and engineers leveraging these innovations. The potential of 3D printing remains underutilized due to these siloed initiatives and the complexities introduced by the Medical Device Regulation.

The workshop titled “3D Printing in Radiation Oncology: Steps Toward a More General Application in Clinical Practice” aims to bridge these gaps. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can surmount the current barriers to widespread adoption.

 

Planned outcomes:

-Guidelines for the application of 3D printing in radiotherapy (workflow, production, QA, application)

-Co-development initiatives with the radiotherapy industry

-Initiatives to critically challenge/prove added value of 3D printing applications

-Understanding regulatory and occupational health and safety issues

-Offering insight in most advanced AM and 3D printing technologies to radiotherapy professionals

-Explore new opportunities/necessities for 3D printing applications in radiotherapy

 

Online pre-meeting (October 10th, 15:00–17:00, online)

Timing	Programme
1.5h session	Round table of all participants
0.5h session	Lecture on the future of 3D printing

 

 ESTRO Physics workshop Toulouse (October 23-24)

Timing	Programme
2h session	Discuss survey on the use of 3D printing in Europe
2h session	Supporting in-house 3D printing solutions
2h session	How to standardize a clinical 3D printing solution
2h session	“Could we … or should we use 3D printing?” discussion on evidence of added value
2h session	Collaboration with industry, explore mutual expectations/dreams
1h session	Launching continuation initiatives/spin-offs
1h session	Wrap-up with other workshops